We will be taking the train from Caen right after we land in Paris, France. Do we need to purchase the tickets ahead of time? Is there a simple way to get to the train station from the Paris airport? Thanks for any info.
Janet
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
4258 posts
The simplest way to the Gare St Lazare where you will catch the train to Caen is to take a taxi. It is a flat rate of 56€ for up to 4 people, all day, every day. I suggest downloading the SCNF app and buying the tickets while you are in the taxi on the way to the train station. You might pay a bit more for ticket per person. If you want to get the best/lowest price, you can buy the ticket online about 90 days before the travel date but those tickets typically have some restrictions on making changes. If you go that route, allow for four hours between your flights ETA and the departure time of the train.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6500 posts
Trains to Caen leave from Gare St Lazare. Taking a taxi from (and ONLY from) the official taxi queue just outside the airport doors, is the easiest way to get there. Especially after a long transatlantic flight. It is a fixed rate of €56.
You can buy tickets in advance for a discounted price. But if you miss that train due to a late flight arrival, long lines at Passport Control or delays at the baggage carousel, then you would need to buy a new ticket at the walk up prices. You can check a few random dates for ticket prices on the SNCF website, but the costs of a same day ticket isn't really that high.
Posted by
Chicago
1000 posts
Another option to get from CDG to St Lazare is to take the RoissyBus.
Roissybus
Main advantage is the price - 13 EUR.
It drops you off across the street from the Palais Garnier and from there
it's a short walk to the train station.
Might not be best for first-time travelers to Paris or people with lots of
luggage, but if you are good with Google Maps and a short walk, it's a
moneysaver. The bus is nonstop from Terminal 1 to Opera, so not all
that much slower than a taxi.
It's possible to take the RER but you have to connect, and the train is
the same price as the bus.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1427 posts
Ditto the RoissyBus. It leaves from right outside of arrivals at CDG and is a simple, cheap way to get into that part of the city. I use it almost exclusively. The Opera Garnier is a 7-minute walk to Gare Saint-Lazare. But if you have more than two people, an inordinate amount of luggage, or it is raining, the official taxi (only) is simple, door-to-door, and a fixed rate as mentioned. Don't take a taxi from anyone soliciting you in the airport (this will happen). Just follow the footsteps in the floor to the official taxi stand. It moves quickly, and they all take credit cards—even the ones who say they don't (it's the law).